Members of the PLHS community and Peninsula residents are rallying to help the family of a school athlete who suffered serious leg injuries during the annual homecoming football game this past season.

Senior running back Johnny Maes, a fast and powerful runner — despite his 5-foot-6-inch, 155-pound frame — was making his 64th carry of the season. As he was tackled and driven out of bounds, Maes was clearly in excruciating pain as trainers and medical staff rushed to his side.

While most knee injuries involve tearing only the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), Maes additionally tore his lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), in addition to a complete dislocation of the knee joint and nerve damage in his leg all the way down to his foot.

Maes has already undergone several painful — and very costly — surgeries. He has returned, in a wheelchair, to his PLHS classes.

A bank account has been established for donations to help the Maes family deal with the financial hardships of their son’s medical costs. Only members of the Maes family have access to the account.

To donate: American West Bank, 1350 Rosecrans St., San Diego, 92106.

In addition, Maureen Wambaugh, parent of Maes’ teammate Jake, is selling a second set of Pointer beanies she created on Maes’ behalf. The black headwear is decorated with the word “Pointers” and a dog paw. One size fits all. Her first set resulted in donations of more than $800.

To place an order for beanies (there is a minimum $10 donation), contact Wambaugh at maureenwambaugh@yahoo.com or call (619) 203-1552.